The Who Split From Drummer Zak Starkey After Nearly Three Decades
Photo: Stevo Rood
After nearly three decades with drummer Zak Starkey, The Who have split from their longtime backbeat. This news comes a matter of weeks after the band’s latest slate of live performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall, which featured the now-former member.
The band shared an official statement with the Guardian: “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall.” The Who’s representative continued, “They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.”
Starkey (son of Ringo Starr) had been The Who’s timekeeper since 1996. In a cryptic response, the drummer wrote on his official Instagram: “HEARD TODAY FROM INSIDE SOURCE WITHIN WHOSE HORSES NOSE THAT TOGER DAKTREY LEAD SINGER AND PRINCIPAL SONGWRITER OF THE GROUP UNHAPPY WITH ZAK THE DRUMMER’S PERFORMANCE AT THE ALBERT HALL A FEW WEEKS AGO IS BRINGING FORMAL CHARGES OF OVERPLAYING.”
His response continued, “AND IS LITERALLY GOING TO ZAK THE DRUMMER AND BRING ON A RESERVE FROM ‘THE BURWASH CARWASH SKIFFLE ‘N’ TICKLE GLEE CLUB HARMONY WITHOUT EMPATHY ALLSTARS’ THIS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY WHOSE LONG TIME MANAGER WILLYA YOUWONTYOUKNOW.”
Starr grew up with The Who’s late drummer, Keith Moon, the renowned proprietor of the band’s coveted seat [after originator, Doug Sandom]. Kenney Jones went on to fill the role before Starkey’s pre-aughts arrival.
Scroll down to read Starkey’s response.
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